Robert

Stephen,
If you want an "authentic" looking Japanese garden you would need to study and learn a great deal.....but if you want a Japanese-like garden, you can get that effect be having some significant stones nicely placed, (always bury stones at least 1/3rd into the soil), and you can have real water, or the impression of water, (a dry gravel stream).....pretty inexpensively. Have lots of green plants,(not many flowers) of varied sizes, shapes and textures.....the garden should not be crowded, and should always be kept very neat. As for displaying bonsai, I've taken 6X6X12" cinder block, plaster some cement on the outsides to give it a "natural" appearing texture...stand them on end with either a flat stone, or a piece of slate on top....and then sit your bonsai on it. You can also sit your bonsai on a somewhat flat surface of a rock too. The important thing is not to line up your trees....and not have them crowded. As you stroll through your garden, place them strategically, so you "come upon them unexpectedly".
Of course there are millions of variations, depending on where you are, the topography of your setting; are there significant trees around; is there scenery to "borrow" for your garden, etc. It can be a real fun project....and let it grow and develop as you go along......don't try to get everything set and "perfect" from the beginning.
I wish you well with it.
Robert in Sta.Cruz